One of the most profound fears a parent can have is the fear of failing their child. This fear is vividly brought to life in the film Ezra, now showing in theaters. In this powerful movie, Bobby Cannavale plays Max, a divorced father struggling to quiet his own impulsive tendencies while striving to do what’s best for his autistic son. Bobby shared with Closer, “What fascinated me about this character is how he’s constantly his own worst enemy. But I thought it would be a challenge—and a chance—to make him relatable to the audience, even as he keeps stumbling. He’s got the right intentions, though.”
Since his breakout role on Third Watch, Bobby has not only won two Emmys but also carved out a reputation for bringing a wide range of characters to life on both big and small screens. With roles that span from heroes to villains and everything in between, Bobby’s versatility is unmatched. He reflected on his career journey, saying, “When I was younger, I dreamed of playing every role possible. But soon enough, you realize that's not feasible. Still, I’ve managed to bring some unforgettable characters to life, and I’m incredibly proud of that.”
Bobby Cannavale’s Journey to Acting
When asked if acting was always his dream, Bobby enthusiastically responded, “Absolutely, since I was a young kid. I was what you might call a latchkey kid—my parents divorced early, and my mom worked hard to keep me safe. She wasn’t keen on me going out much, so I ended up watching a lot of television. HBO came along when I was around 10, and it completely changed my world. Between the classic movies on regular TV and the new HBO offerings, I was hooked. Some of my early acting idols were legends like James Dean, Marlon Brando, and Paul Newman. Their performances left an indelible mark on me.”
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What Drew Him to 'Ezra'
“I’ve been friends with Tony Goldwyn for years, and we’ve been trying to collaborate for a long time. When he approached me with the script for Ezra, I was immediately drawn to the story. It felt so authentic and personal. Another compelling aspect was the opportunity to work with a neurodivergent actor. We were fortunate to find a truly remarkable young talent.”
“Sharing the screen with my real-life partner, Rose Byrne, and the legendary Robert De Niro made this experience even more special. When we started this project, I thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be great to have Bob De Niro play my dad and Rose as my wife?’ Everything came together so beautifully, and it was a joy to watch this vision become reality after a long journey.”
Experiencing Serendipity in Projects
Bobby shared, “This kind of serendipity isn’t new for me. It happened years ago with The Station Agent. I was involved with that film for years, attending readings with the same cast, trying to secure financing. Slowly but surely, we pieced it together, and it turned out to be a huge success. It’s always rewarding to be part of something from its inception.”
Relating to Parenthood Through Max
“As a father, I can deeply relate to Max’s desire to solve every problem for his child. It’s a fear that haunts all parents. For me, letting go of that control and allowing my kids to find their own path has been a learning curve. Max’s impulsiveness and his protective instincts resonate with me the most. It’s a balance we all strive to find.”
